President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria, on a two-day official visit to London, met with Prime Minister Tony Blair in July, who predicted strengthening relations between the two countries. President Bouteflika also met Queen Elizabeth, at Buckingham Palace.

BRITAIN WELCOMED its first ever visit from the Algerian President Abdulaziz Bouteflika which signalled a new era in cooperation between the two countries. The Prime Minister Tony Blair and President Bouteflika were both optimistic about the new relationship and its impact on the war on terror as well as international investment.

Mr Blair opened the proceedings saying he had every confidence in their new relationship. “The relationship is now a very strong one, we want to see it strengthen further in commerce and economy and trade but also in our political relationship as well. We have a strong and common interest in the fight against terrorism and of course the relationship with Algeria is important for Britain in a very specific way.“ “Mr President, today we have launched an energy review for this country and it’s worth just pointing out that around 20% of the gas supplies in the UK come from Algeria.“

For his part Mr Bouteflika said the two countries had been through some bad times but he was reassured that the British leader now had a real interest in improved relations between their two countries.

The Algerian President said: “I feel at home, I feel that I am with a friend. We had the opportunity to meet on several occasions and the last time we met at Gleneagles I noted that he was very much interested in the Arab world, the African world, now I have proof that the prime minister is interested in Algeria independently of the Arab and the African world.”

Both leaders took questions from journalists and Mr Blair was asked whether he was going to be encouraging investment in Algeria outside the energy sector. “One of the things that we discussed and that we want to take forward is how we increase the trade and the commerce and the investment between our two countries.“ “But for all sorts of reasons the position of Algeria is of a very great importance in the world and as a result of the changes that are happening, a very good place for people to invest.”